Turbine element repair fixture

Abstract

A blade processing fixture has first and second jaws. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw from a disengaged position for accepting a root of the blade. The blade is accepted in a receiving area between the first and second jaws. The second jaw is movable to an engaged position clamping the blade between the first and second jaws. A gas flow path extends from an inlet port to an outlet port. The outlet port is positioned to introduce gas to a blade inlet port when the blade is installed.

1 . A fixture for processing a blade comprising: 
 a first jaw;    a second jaw, movable relative to the first jaw from a disengaged position for accepting a root of the blade in a receiving area between the first and second jaws to an engaged position clamping the blade between the first and second jaws; and    a gas flow path from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet port positioned to introduce gas to a blade inlet port when the blade is installed.    
   
   
       2 . The fixture of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the first jaw is unitarily formed with or secured relative to a bottom portion for said receiving area.    
   
   
       3 . The fixture of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the outlet port is formed in a foot portion of the first jaw.    
   
   
       4 . The fixture of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a base having a mounting surface defining a mounting plane; and    a screw for securing the second jaw against the root, the screw having a screw axis 5-30° off parallel to the mounting plane.    
   
   
       5 . The fixture of  claim 1  in combination with the blade and wherein: 
 the first and second jaws respectively engage first and second lateral sides of the root.    
   
   
       6 . The fixture of  claim 1  in combination with a welding station and wherein: 
 the fixture is mounted to a rotary table of the welding station.    
   
   
       7 . The fixture of  claim 1  in combination with a welding station and wherein: 
 the fixture is mounted to a rotary table of the welding station.    
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 1  in combination with a welding station and wherein: 
 the inlet port is coupled to a source of an essentially inert gas.    
   
   
       9 . A method for processing a turbine engine blade comprising: 
 placing a root of the blade in a receiving area of a fixture;    tightening a clamping portion of the fixture against the root;    delivering a gas through the fixture and the blade through a port in the root; and    adding material to a site on the blade.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein: 
 during at least a portion of the adding, the gas exits through at least a first outlet at the site.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the adding closes the first outlet.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein: 
 the tightening comprises rotating an actuation member about an axis off normal to a central radial plane of the root by 5-30°.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising: 
 mounting the fixture to an automated table.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein: 
 the adding comprises welding.    
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for processing a blade comprising: 
 means for receiving and gripping a blade root; and    means for introducing introduce gas to a blade inlet port.    
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 means for welding to the blade.    
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 means for moving the blade while gripped by the means for receiving.